Alphacoronavirus 1

Alphacoronavirus 1

Alphacoronavirus 1 is a species of coronavirus that belongs to the genus Alphacoronavirus within the family Coronaviridae. This virus is known to infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including canines, felines, and swine. It is responsible for several diseases in these animals, most notably canine coronavirus and feline coronavirus.

Taxonomy

Alphacoronavirus 1 is classified under the order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae, subfamily Orthocoronavirinae, and genus Alphacoronavirus. The species was previously known as Canine coronavirus and Feline coronavirus, but these are now considered to be strains or variants within the species Alphacoronavirus 1.

Structure

Like other coronaviruses, Alphacoronavirus 1 is an enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. The virus has a characteristic crown-like appearance due to the presence of spike proteins on its surface, which are used to attach to host cell receptors and facilitate entry into the cell.

Host Range and Transmission

Alphacoronavirus 1 primarily infects domestic animals such as dogs and cats. In dogs, it causes canine enteric coronavirus, which is typically a mild gastrointestinal disease. In cats, it can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a more severe and often fatal disease. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, and infection is more common in environments where animals are kept in close proximity, such as kennels and shelters.

Clinical Significance

In dogs, Alphacoronavirus 1 infection usually results in mild diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. In cats, the virus can mutate into a more virulent form that causes FIP, characterized by fever, weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. FIP is a serious condition with a high mortality rate, and there is currently no effective treatment.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures for Alphacoronavirus 1 include maintaining good hygiene and sanitation in animal housing facilities, as well as vaccination. Vaccines are available for canine coronavirus, although their efficacy is debated. For feline coronavirus, there is no widely accepted vaccine, and control relies on minimizing exposure and stress in cats.

Also see

• Coronavirus
• Canine coronavirus
• Feline coronavirus
• Feline infectious peritonitis
• Alphacoronavirus